Many would think that the biggest perk of being a superyacht crew member is simply working aboard a luxury vessel. But that’s only half true, especially when one learns about the tipping culture on these floating palaces. It’s customary to tip the crew at the end of a luxury yacht charter holiday, and those wealthy enough to indulge in this lavish experience are well aware, often leaving generous sums. Welcome to the world of superyacht indulgence, where even the gratuities are as jaw-dropping as the views.
According to Boat International, brokers advise tipping between 5% and 20% of the base charter fee, depending on the region. Tips generally fall on the lower end of the scale in the Mediterranean and the higher end in the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Superstar singer Beyoncé and her billionaire husband Jay-Z certainly fall into the category of splendid tippers, especially since they have repeatedly chartered one of the world’s most opulent superyachts, the Flying Fox.
Built by Lürssen, this 450-foot marvel is a floating wonderland. Picture this, a pool so wide it stretches across the entire deck, 11 lavish cabins with balconies that could make a five-star resort jealous, and a two-floor spa bigger than some city apartments.
Dining is taken to another level with not just al fresco seating but outdoor cooking options, including a rotisserie, a teppanyaki grill, and a pizza oven. Chartering the Flying Fox costs approximately $3.5 million per week, and it is serviced by a crew of 54.
The Grammy-winning couple, with a combined net worth of over $3 billion, chartered the $400 million yacht to celebrate Beyoncé’s 40th birthday while cruising through the Mediterranean, stopping at destinations like Capri and Ponza, Italy. They even skipped the 2021 Met Gala to unwind aboard their floating palace. But what’s more intriguing than their itinerary is their tip.
Considering the yacht’s $3.5 million rate, it’s likely that the couple tipped at least $630,000 (20%) to the crew, adhering to industry norms. To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to handing out a Rolls-Royce Phantom ($510,000) and a Mercedes S Class ($120,000) as a tip.
Typically, gratuities are given in cash to the captain, but for such large amounts, high-profile clients like Beyoncé and Jay-Z can wire the gratuity ahead to a broker, who holds it in escrow and releases the amount to the crew after the charter ends.
Fortunately for the elite, the Flying Fox, which was previously seized, is now available for charter again. The yacht was previously restricted due to U.S. sanctions, but newly released documentation from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury) confirms that it has been removed from the restricted list. With summer approaching, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who, thanks to his lucrative business ventures, is now worth $2.5 billion can once again set sail aboard this magnificent vessel.
The Flying Fox is a star in its own right, standing as one of the most extravagant yachts available for charter. Let’s explore what makes this floating palace so exceptional.
Fabulous features of the Flying Fox superyacht-
Commissioned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Kamenshchik, the Flying Fox is the brainchild of Espen Øino and Mark Berryman, blending striking design with cutting-edge luxury. The six-deck superyacht at night, featuring a sundeck that doubles as a dance floor, live music, private dining, and even fireworks.
For adventure seekers, the yacht offers a dive center with a three-person decompression chamber, along with an extensive collection of water toys, including flyboards, seabobs, and jet skis. For seamless travel, there’s a helipad, while a fully staffed medical center ensures guests’ well-being.
Alongside bar staff, gym instructors, and waiters, the Flying Fox offers an unparalleled level of luxury, one that even the world’s biggest stars can’t resist.
